Someșul Mare has a length of 130 km and an area of 5,033 km2 and a slight asymmetry in favor of the left side of the basin.[6] For the entire basin of Someș, the asymmetry on left becomes pronounced between Dej and Ardusat to change in the opposite direction after receiving Lăpuș River on the right side. The valley of Someșul Mare has much auriferous alluvium that, until the early 20th century, were brought to the surface using traditional tools. Specialists say that in the Someșul Mare were found grains of gold of 21 carats.[7]

The Someș drains a basin of 18,146 km2 (7,006 sq mi),[3]:22 of which 15,740 km2 (6,080 sq mi) in Romania.[8] Its basin comprises 403 rivers with a total length of 5,528 km, or 7% of the total length of the country. Basin area represents 6.6% of the country area and 71% of the area of Someș–Tisza hydrographic basin.[6]

To prevent flooding, the Someș is dammed in the lower course. In the spring of 1970, due to heavy rains, the Someș flooded part of Satu Mare and surrounding plains. The debit exceeded 3,300 m3/s compared to that year's average of 210 m3/s.[9]